Writing, Reading and Life

The Lone Star and the Short Bus

From the title, it sounds as though I’m about to post about Texas. No such thing. Anyone who knows me personally, knows that I hate drama and conflict unless it’s in a story. I have my opinions, but surrounded by so many friends with different beliefs, I’m normally quiet. I don’t rock the boat. However, sometimes I get a wild hair and I share my opinion.

I read the brief article, then looked at his book on Amazon. Okay, I get it. He decided to turn a crap review into something positive. Or did he? I shared it with someone who I highly respect in the writing world, and she thought it was gimmicky. And I quote: “Seems to me this is someone just trying to get publicity for their book,” she said. Wow, I hadn’t really thought about that, I saw lemonade being made.

I think it’s a controversial move, and maybe a smart one, but it depends on how you view it. I also think that it’s a great example of authors bearing the responsibility for their own marketing, but when push comes to shove, how far are you willing to go?

So tell me, smart move on Brian Allan Carr’s part for “Short Bus” or no?

10 Responses

Hmmm…you read the article Jen, but did you buy the book? The cover looks elegant and hints at literature to me. Given how many people leave one star reviews for classical literature, I’m not sure that trying to /their/ attention is such a great idea.

Then again, even bad publicity is supposed to be better than no publicity at all. Maybe.

I don’t think it will garner him anymore reviews than if he had asked for threes or fours. There is some elusive part of the promotion formula that remains hidden or undefinable. I think it is “word of mouth” and this ploy may bring him some of that but will not make him a household name.